Modular Rack Systems

ABSTRACT

A modular garment rack system, useful for display and storage of items, includes a first support standard and a second support standard. At least one brace means is provided for supporting the first and second support standards in an upright orientation. When the garment rack system is assembled, the first and second support standards are interconnected in a linear arrangement with their first and second horizontal and base members in an orientation that is substantially parallel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/233,861, filed Aug. 14, 2009, the details of which areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In various embodiments, the invention provides a modular rack system andcomponents thereof, in particular, a garment rack system, the racksystem being useful for temporary display and storage of items,particularly clothing and other items that are suitable for placement onone or more hangers.

BACKGROUND

Garment racks function for storage and the display of goods toconsumers, particularly garments, linens and other goods suitable forpositioning on hangers. Conventional garment racks are typically made ofheavy materials, such as polished metals or wood that compliment thedecor of a store. Conventional garment racks are also typically designedto be stationary and are not adapted for frequent cycles of assembly,disassembly, transportation and storage. Moreover, conventional racksare designed for display and storage of items at or near chest level ofcustomers, not much higher than three to five feet above floor level. Assuch, conventional racks are not suitable for temporary display orstorage needs since the materials can be costly and very bulky and thedesigns do not lend to ease or convenience in portability. In view ofthe inadequacies of conventional racks for temporary storage needs, itis desirable to provide a rack system that is modular, and hence capableof expansion, while also being stable, space-efficient, capable of highcapacity storage and suitable for quick assembly, disassembly, transportand storage.

Other features of the embodiments of the present invention will beapparent in light of the description of the invention embodied herein.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a modular garment rack system, useful for display andstorage of items, includes a first support standard. The first supportstandard includes a first vertical member having a height from about Xto Y inches. A first base has a length that is not less than ⅓ theheight of the vertical member and is attachable at about a midpoint ofthe length to the first vertical member. A first horizontal member has alength from about X to Y inches and is attachable at about a midpoint ofthe length to the first vertical member. The first support standard isconfigured to be assembled with its first base attached to a first endof the first vertical member and with its first horizontal memberattached in an orientation that is parallel to the first base at a pointnear a second end of the first vertical member. A second supportstandard is also provided and includes a second vertical member having aheight from about X to Y inches. A second base has a length that is notless than ⅓ the height of the second vertical member and is attachableat about a midpoint of the length to the second vertical member. Asecond horizontal member has a length from about X to Y inches and isattachable at about a midpoint of the length to the second verticalmember. The second support standard is configured to be assembled withits second base attached to a first end of the second vertical memberand with its second horizontal member attached in an orientation that isparallel to the second base at a point near a second end of the secondvertical member. At least two rods are provided. At least one bracemeans is provided for supporting the first and second support standardsin an upright orientation. When the garment rack system is assembled,the first and second support standards are interconnected in a lineararrangement with their first and second horizontal and base members inan orientation that is substantially parallel. A first of the at leasttwo rods is attachable at a first end of the first horizontal member andat a first end of the second horizontal member. A second of the at leasttwo rods is attachable at a second end of the first horizontal memberand at a second end of the second horizontal member.

In another embodiment, a modular garment rack system, useful for displayand storage of items, includes a first support standard. The firstsupport standard includes a first vertical member having a height. Afirst base has a length that is not less than ⅓ the height of thevertical member and is attachable at about a midpoint of the length tothe first vertical member. A first horizontal member is attachable tothe first vertical member. The first support standard is configured tobe assembled with its first base attached to a first end of the firstvertical member and with its first horizontal member attached in anorientation that is parallel to the first base at a point near a secondend of the first vertical member. A second support standard includes asecond vertical member having a height. A second base has a length thatis not less than ⅓ the height of the second vertical member and isattachable at about a midpoint of the length to the second verticalmember. A second horizontal member is attachable to the second verticalmember. The second support standard is configured to be assembled withits second base attached to a first end of the second vertical memberand with its second horizontal member attached in an orientation that isparallel to the second base at a point near a second end of the secondvertical member. At least one brace includes a support rod that isattachable to each of the first and second support standards forsupporting the first and second support standards in an uprightconfiguration. A first hanging rod is attachable at a first end of thefirst horizontal member and at a first end of the second horizontalmember. A second hanging rod is attachable at a second end of the firsthorizontal member and at a second end of the second horizontal member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of specific embodiments of thepresent invention can be best understood when read in conjunction withthe following drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular rack systemin an assembled configuration;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the modular rack system of FIG. 1 in adisassembled configuration;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the modular rack system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is another exploded view of the modular rack system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in whichare shown by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, specificembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical,mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a rack system 10 comprises a rack 12 that comprisesat least two support standards 14 and 16, a brace 18, and a plurality ofhanging rods 20. The support standards 14 and 16 comprise a base 22, atleast one vertical member 24, and at least one or a plurality ofhorizontal members 26. Referring also to FIG. 2, the rack system 10 isshown in a collapsed, disassembled configuration including the supportstandards 14 and 16, a brace 18, and a plurality of hanging rods 20 thatare stacked side-by-side, for example, for storage and/or transport. Thedepicted embodiment has at least two support standards, each with thebase 22, the vertical member 24, and at least two horizontal members 26.The support standards 14 and 16 are aligned across from one another inFIG. 1 with the brace 18 therebetween in the form of a cross affixed toeach support standard. The rack 12 also includes four hanging rods 20,arranged in two parallel pairs, each rod 20 being attached at each oftwo ends 28 and 30 to opposing horizontal members 26 affixed to thesupport standards 14 and 16. Thus, each rack 12 effectively has a middlesection with the brace 18, and two sides on which goods may be hung fromone, two or more rods 20 that are at different heights.

The depicted rack 12 has two sides 32 and 34, each with two rods 20affixed to the horizontal members 26. It will be appreciated that insome embodiments, one side of the rack may have only a top but not abottom rod. It will also be appreciated that in other embodiments, onlythe upper horizontal members 26 are present and hence only upper rods 20would be employed. And in yet other embodiments, there may be more thantwo horizontal members 24 such that more than two rods 20 per side maybe employed. In the various embodiments it will be obvious that theheight of the vertical standard 14 and 16 may be varied as needed foruse and space requirements and so as to provide the number of rods 20and clearance from the floor as desired.

Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 4 depicted rack 12 is of multi partconstruction, that is, each support standard 14 and 16 is formed of fourseparate pieces—two horizontal members 26, one vertical member 24 andone base 22. It will be readily appreciated that the number and lengthsof each such component may vary, such that the vertical member 24 may belonger or shorter, and the number of horizontal members 26 and theirlengths may be increased or decreased. It will also be readilyappreciated that the support standard 14, 16 may be constructed of fewerparts in that the vertical member 24 and each horizontal member 26, orthe vertical member 24 and the base 22, or the vertical member 24 andeach horizontal member 26 and the base 22 may be of unitaryconstruction. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 22of the support standard 14 engages with the vertical member 24 using amortise joint. Of course, it will be understood by one skilled in theart that other modes of engagement are possible and, as such, the modeof engagement described herein is not limiting. The design of thesupport standards 14, 16 will vary depending on the desired height ofthe rack 12 and the number and size/length of items to be hung on thehanging rods 20.

While the rack 12 depicted in the figures has vertical 24 and horizontalmembers 26 and bases 18 that are rectangular in shape, it will, ofcourse, be understood by one skilled in the art that alternativeembodiments of each of these components can be constructed in a varietyof different shapes know in the art. Thus, other shapes and profiles arepossible and the depicted shapes are in no way limiting, and it will beunderstood by one skilled in the art that alternative embodiments of thevertical 24 and horizontal members 26 can be constructed in a variety ofdifferent shapes. For example, the base may have a block shape, or anarcuate shape, and the vertical and horizontal members 26 may becylindrical, or have some other shape. In some embodiments the base 22can also include castors, gliders, pads, levelers, stands, and similaritems (all represented by element 21) that engage, reversibly orirreversibly, with the base to facilitate stability of the rack or toenhance movement of the rack within the storage space.

The vertical member 24 is constructed to be of sufficient height tooptimize the capacity of the rack 12 by allowing engagement with onemore horizontal members 26 described herein. Thus, the length of thevertical member 24 is selected to achieve the space fitting and storagerequirements for use. Likewise, the horizontal members 26 are configuredin such lengths that allow the free hanging of goods from the racks 12without substantial interference with the central brace. The length ofthe base 22 is configured to minimize floor space occupied by the rack12 while at the same time maximizing the stability of the rack 12. Itwill be appreciated that the rack 12 shown in the figures is merelyrepresentative, and other embodiments of the rack 12 are possible,including racks that include only one horizontal member 26, or more thantwo horizontal members 26, and hence fewer or more hanging rods 20, orother alternate structures as described herein below.

The support standards 14, 16 are configured to bear the weight of goodshung on the hanging rods 20, with the rods 20 and the brace 18configured to aid in distributing weight between the support standards14, 16. The support standards 14, 16 are of sufficient rigidity toresist bowing and twisting, so as to prevent twisting or deformation ofthe rack 12. Accordingly, the support standards are formed of materialhaving sufficient strength to resist torsion or bending and to resistfracture. With respect to embodiments in which the support standards 14,16 are not of unitary construction, the support standards 14, 16 areconstructed so as to minimize introduction of weakness at the jointsbetween the vertical members and the horizontal members. Thus, in someembodiments, the support standards 14, 16 are of unitary construction,having no joints. In yet other embodiments, the support standards 14, 16may be formed of two or more parts, wherein the parts are joined in amanner that ensures integrity at the union. As depicted, the union ofthe parts of the support standard 14, 16 is by means of mortise joints.Of course it will be appreciated that other unions are possible, usingany of a variety of fasteners, braces, and clamps for reinforcement.

Alternative embodiments of the rack 12 may include fewer, or may includethree or more horizontal members 26 engaged with the vertical members 24(e.g., through openings 25 a, 25 b, 25 c). Additional hanging levelsmay, in some embodiments, require elongation of the base taller verticalmembers 24, and longer base members 22. According to the invention, thebase member 22 of the rack 12 will have a length that is not less than ⅓of the height of the vertical member 24. For example, if the supportstandard is 6′ tall, then the base is about 2′ or longer in length, andif the support standard is 8′ tall, then the base is about 2′ 8″ inlength or longer, and if the support standard is 12′ tall, then the baseis about 4′ or longer in length. In addition, it will be appreciatedthat since the shapes of the base 22 and the vertical member 24 mayvary, their widths may likewise vary as desired for aesthetic purposes,or as necessitated if the materials used to construct the membersvaries. Typically, the members may have a thinner profile if thematerials are sufficiently strong and rigid, such as solid wood orplywood, and will be thicker if the materials are less strong and rigid,such as cardboard or fiberboard.

The support standards 14, 16 of the racks 12 depicted in the figures areconstructed of high quality veneer core plywood with eased and sandededges. The longevity or aesthetic value of the support standards 14, 16can be enhanced by the application of wood finish or other treatments orproducts known in the art. Of course, it will be understood by oneskilled in the art that the support standards 14, 16 can be constructedof other materials besides high quality veneer core plywood. Forexample, the support standard 14, 16 can be constructed of alternativelysuitable materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, particle board,solid wood, expanded PVC or other synthetic polymers and other compositematerials known in the art, or any combination thereof. Theaforementioned materials are, of course, for illustrative purposes toconvey the scope of the invention presented herein and do not constitutean exhaustive or exclusive list of possible materials that can beutilized for the construction of the support standards 14, 16. It willalso be understood by one skilled in the art that the support standards14, 16 can be comprised of a plurality of components or can beconstructed as a unitary structure. The choice of materials should beguided by the weight and stability of the materials. Excessively heavymaterials can limit the ease at which the rack may be transported.Likewise, materials lacking sufficient structural stability will limitthe capacity, durability, and longevity of the rack.

The brace 18 engages with opposing support standards. Referring to theFIGS. 1-4, the brace means 18 is a cross shape formed oftubular/cylindrical metal wherein the two members 50 and 52 of the crossare joined at the point of their intersection and each such cross member50 and 52 is affixed at each of two ends to the pair of opposing supportstandards 14 and 16. In some embodiments the means of engagement isachieved with hanger bolts affixed to one side of the support standard14 and 16 for engagement with an aperture through the brace members 50and 52. It should be understood that different types of unions thatfacilitate that engagement of the brace 18 and the support standards 14and 16 may be utilized and fall within the scope of the invention.Similarly, alternative engagement points on the support standard 14, 16also fall within the scope of the invention. Engagement of the brace 18with the support standards 14 and 16 increases the strength of the rack12 to prevent racking or unfavorable torsional movement of the rack.

The brace means 18 depicted in the figures is composed of two ridgedelectrical metal tubing (hereinafter, EMT) conduits joined together witha bolted connection in the center to allow for compact storage byallowing the brace 18 to be dissembled into a plurality of components orrotated from an orthogonal configuration to a parallel configuration.The EMT conduits, however, may also be joined by other methods know inthe art such and still allow disassembly and/or rotation. In alternativeembodiments, the brace 18 can be produced in a non-manipulativeconfiguration such as, for example, welding the components together. Inyet another alternative embodiment, the brace can be of unitaryconstruction. Of course, it should be understood that alternativeembodiments of the brace 18 may be composed of other suitable materialsbesides EMT. For example, the brace may be composed of wood, other typesof metal tubing conduits know in the art, synthetic polymers, or anyother suitable materials known in the art, or any combination thereofmay be utilized and are contemplated within the scope of the invention.Moreover, it should be understood that the brace 18 may be composed ofsolid or hollow materials or any combination thereof. Further, the bracemay have a configuration other than a cross, for example, the brace maybe formed of a plurality of parallel bars or rods, or may be formed of amatrix of intersecting bars or rods, or may be formed of a unitary butrigid mesh or wire or other structure.

The hanging rods 20 of the rack depicted in FIGS. 1-4 are composed ofEMT. Of course, it will be understood by one skilled in the art thatalternative embodiment of the hanging rods 20 may be composed of othermaterials such as wood, metal, wire with a turn buckle, or polymer, orany other suitable material, or any combination thereof so long as thematerial is of sufficient tensile strength to prevent bowing or bucklingor fracturing of the hanging rod 20 when engaged with garments.Moreover, it should be understood that the hanging rods 20 may becomposed of solid or hollow materials or any combination thereof, andmay be cylindrical, rectangular, scalloped or of some other shapesuitable for retaining hangers.

The hanging rods 20 engage with the horizontal members 26 by means ofpassage of the hanging rod 20 through an aperture 38 in the horizontalmember 26, and then fixed in place by a set-screw union that preventsthe removal of the rod 20 from the aperture 38 in the receivinghorizontal member 26. In an alternative embodiment of the rack 12, thehanging rods 20 may engage with the horizontal member 26 by means of asleeve conduit 40 with cotter pins 42. This embodiment would eliminatethe need for tools when assembling the rack 12. In yet other embodimentsof the rack 12 the hanging rods 20 engage with the horizontal member 26by means of placement within “U” or similar shaped grooves cut into thehorizontal members 26. The hanging rods 20 are stabilized in the “U” orsimilar shaped groves to prevent unfavorable vertical or horizontalmovement of the hanging rods 20 once engaged with the horizontal members26 of the support standards 14, 16. Of course, it should be understoodthat the embodiments presented herein serve to illustrate the engagementof the hanging rods 20 with the horizontal members 26 and by no meansserve to limit the scope of the invention. In alternative embodiments,the lower hanging rod can be omitted to allow garments of long lengthgarments such a winter coats to engage with the upper hanging rodswithout contacting the rack 12.

The racks 12 can be joined together in various configurations in orderto maximize display space and enhance the aesthetic value of the garmentdisplays. Referring to the figures, the basic joined rack unit or system10 includes two racks 12 joined together by one more extension hangingrods 20 of that may be of any desirable length. In some embodiments, abrace may also be used in joining the racks. Additional joined rackunits can be linked together as required to obtain a unitary structurecomposed of a plurality of joined rack units. Thus, two, three, four ormore racks 12 may be joined together, wherein adjacent racks are engagedwith one another by means of at least one hanging rod positionedtherebetween.

Two racks 20 may be joined together with four extension hanging rods 20,wherein two such extension hanging rods 20 are affixed to each of thesupport standards 14, 16. In yet other embodiments, only a pair ofextension hanging rods 20 is utilized and engaged with only one of thesupport standards 14, 16, such as the upper horizontal members 26 of thetwo adjacent racks 12. This configuration serves not only to linkadjacent racks together but as well as provides a longer hanging spaceon the extension hanging rod for long goods such as winter coats,curtains, sheets or other such items.

The extension hanging rods 20 link two racks 12 together and as wellserve to provide additional hanging space. As depicted in the figures,the racks 12 are joined together by means of extension hanging rods 20engaged with opposing horizontal members 26 of adjacent racks 12. Theengagement is by means of passage of the hanging rod 20 through anaperture 38 in the horizontal member 26, and then fixed in place by aset-screw union that prevents the removal of the rod from the aperturein the receiving horizontal member. Of course it will be obvious to oneskilled in the art that other means of engagement are possible and arecontemplated within the scope of the invention.

The extension hanging rods 20 span a distance between two racks 12 to bejoined to create additional hanging space for garments while minimizingthe need for additional materials. The length of the extension hangingrod 20 can be varied as required to optimize the display requirements.The length of the extension hanging rods 20 is, however, limited by thestrength of the extension hanging rod, which must be sufficient to avoidbowing or buckling or fracturing of the hanging rod when engaged withgoods. The extension hanging rods 20 as depicted in the various figureshereof are formed of EMT conduits. It will be obvious to one skilled inthe art that the extension hanging rods can be comprised of the othermaterials such as wood, metal, other types of conduits, or any suitablematerial or combination thereof, and can be formed in other shapes orconfigurations that are suitable for supporting hangers, and all suchalternate embodiments are contemplated within the scope of theinventions.

The hanging and extension rods 20 as depicted in the figures aregenerally linear, such that adjacent racks align in series with theirsupport standards being substantially parallel to one another. Inalternative embodiments, the extension hanging rods may be configured ofbent forms or of two or more pieces that engage at angles up to 90degrees so as to join the racks in alternative configurations asrequired by spatial considerations. In such alternate embodiments,additional support elements, such as central braces or additional rodsor support standards may be employed to ensure sufficient support andstability.

In use, sets of racks 12 for forming a rack system 10 may be stored in acompact fashion, then assembled on the site of use (FIG. 2). Asdesigned, the number, construction, and weight of the materials lend toease of assembly and disassembly. Due to the inventive design of thesupport standards 14, 16, they are low in profile and light in weight,yet the overall rack 12 has great support strength. Thus, a thedisassembled rack system 10 is stored and transported easily and themeans of attachment of the braces 18 and rods 20 between the supportstandards 14, 16 allows ready assembly with either a simple screwdriverand/or pliers, or if wing nuts or cotter pins are used for engagement ofthe braces and rods, then no tools are needed. Moreover, the modularnature of the racks 12 allows for assembly of a single rack, or of one,two or more series of racks as needed to fit space limitations andhanging needs. Moreover, the design enables provision of low profilebases that do not block walkways between racks but enable support ofracks that can hold one, two, three or more rods on each side along thevertical length of the racks, wherein the height of the rack willinfluence the length of the base, thus allowing custom development ofracks to conform with space limitations and support needs.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in thedescription of the invention herein is for describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused in the description of the invention and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Allpublications, patent applications, patents, and other referencesmentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specificationand claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances bythe term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, thenumerical parameters set forth in the following specification andattached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon thedesired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. Atthe very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of thedoctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numericalparameter should be construed in light of the number of significantdigits and ordinary rounding approaches.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Every numerical range given throughoutthis specification will include every narrower numerical range thatfalls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numericalranges were all expressly written herein.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

1. A modular garment rack system, useful for display and storage ofitems, comprising: a. a first support standard comprising: a firstvertical member having a height from about X to Y inches; a first basehaving a length that is not less than ⅓ the height of the verticalmember and is attachable at about a midpoint of the length to the firstvertical member, and a first horizontal member having a length fromabout X to Y inches and attachable at about a midpoint of the length ofthe first horizontal member to the first vertical member; wherein thefirst support standard is configured to be assembled with the first baseattached to a first end of the first vertical member and with the firsthorizontal member attached in an orientation that is parallel to thefirst base at a point near a second end of the first vertical member; b.a second support standard comprising: a second vertical member having aheight from about X to Y inches; a second base having a length that isnot less than ⅓ the height of the second vertical member and attachableat about a midpoint of the length to the second vertical member, and asecond horizontal member having a length from about X to Y inches and isattachable at about a midpoint of the length of the second horizontalmember to the second vertical member; wherein the second supportstandard is configured to be assembled with the second base attached toa first end of the second vertical member and with the second horizontalmember attached in an orientation that is parallel to the second base ata point near a second end of the second vertical member; c. at least tworods; and d. at least one brace means for supporting the first andsecond support standards in an upright orientation; wherein, when thegarment rack system is assembled, the first and second support standardsare interconnected in a linear arrangement with their first and secondhorizontal and base members in an orientation that is substantiallyparallel; a first of the at least two rods being attachable at a firstend of the first horizontal member and at a first end of the secondhorizontal member, and a second of the at least two rods beingattachable at a second end of the first horizontal member and at asecond end of the second horizontal member.
 2. The modular garment racksystem of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second baseattaches to at least one of a castor, glider, pad, leveler, or stand. 3.The modular garment rack system of claim 2 wherein the brace means isattachable to each of the first and second support standards and is inthe form substantially of a cross having two members each having twoends and the two members of the cross attach to the first and secondsupport standards at the two ends when assembled.
 4. The modular garmentrack system of claim 3 wherein the two members of the cross are joinedat their intersection.
 5. The modular garment rack system of claim 4wherein the two members of the cross are joined by a bolted connectionto allow for storage by allowing the brace to be rotated from a crossedconfiguration to a parallel configuration.
 6. The modular garment racksystem of claim 3 wherein the brace means between the two supportstandards is formed of a plurality of parallel rods.
 7. The modulargarment rack system of claim 1 wherein the first and second supportstandards are aligned with faces of the first and second horizontalmembers being substantially parallel to one another.
 8. The modulargarment rack system of claim 1 wherein the first and second horizontalmembers each have an aperture through them arranged and configured toreceive the first and second rods.
 9. A modular garment rack system,useful for display and storage of items, comprising: a. a first supportstandard comprising: a first vertical member having a height; a firstbase having a length that is not less than ⅓ the height of the verticalmember and attachable at about a midpoint of the length to the firstvertical member, and a first horizontal member attachable to the firstvertical member; wherein the first support standard is configured to beassembled with the first base attached to a first end of the firstvertical member and with the first horizontal member attached in anorientation that is parallel to the first base at a point near a secondend of the first vertical member; b. a second support standardcomprising: a second vertical member having a height; a second basehaving a length that is not less than ⅓ the height of the secondvertical member and attachable at about a midpoint of the length to thesecond vertical member, and a second horizontal member attachable to thesecond vertical member; wherein the second support standard isconfigured to be assembled with the second base attached to a first endof the second vertical member and with the second horizontal memberattached in an orientation that is parallel to the second base at apoint near a second end of the second vertical member; c. at least onebrace comprising a support rod that is attachable to each of the firstand second support standards for supporting the first and second supportstandards in an upright configuration; d. a first hanging rod attachableat a first end of the first horizontal member and at a first end of thesecond horizontal member; and e. a second hanging rod attachable at asecond end of the first horizontal member and at a second end of thesecond horizontal member.
 10. The modular garment rack system of claim 9wherein the first support standard further comprises a third horizontalmember attachable to the first vertical member and the second supportstandard further comprises a fourth horizontal member attachable to thefirst vertical member.
 11. The modular garment rack system of claim 9wherein the brace comprises a pair of support rods that intersect in theform of a cross.
 12. The modular garment rack system of claim 11 whereinthe pair of support rods are rotatably joined at their intersection toallow for storage by allowing the brace to be rotated from a crossedconfiguration to a parallel configuration.
 13. The modular garment racksystem of claim 9 wherein the first and second support standards arealigned with faces of the first and second horizontal members beingsubstantially parallel to one another.
 14. The modular garment racksystem of claim 9 wherein the first hanging rod is attachable through anaperture at the first end of the first horizontal member.